Each
of the two Mistral-class
landing ships being built in France for the Russian
Navy will have air wings consisting of 30 Ka-52K and Ka-29 helicopters,
Izvestia newspaper reported on Wednesday.

“These will be air wings comprising carrier-based and land-based
elements to ensure fast rotation of the helicopters for repairs or replacement
due to combat losses,” Izvestia quoted a Defense Ministry source
as saying.

Prototypes of a naval version of the Ka-52 Alligator
attack helicopter are under construction at the Progress plant in Russia’s
Far East. The flight tests are expected to start in 2014.

Ka-29 Helix has been originally designed for the Soviet navy as a dedicated
assault transport helicopter, and its adaptation for Mistrals will be
less time-consuming and costly.

Russia and France signed a $1.2-billion contract for two French-built
Mistral class ships, including the transfer of sensitive technology,
in June 2011. Two more ships are expected to be 80% built in Russia,
20% in France.

The first Mistral class warship is expected to be put in service with
the Russian Navy in three years.

The Russian military has said it plans to use Mistral ships in its Northern
and Pacific fleets.